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ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR 2016
Lincoln provides an education to the highest US accreditation standards, focused on academic excellence and developing confident, ethical world citizens.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Board of Governors Message ____________________________________________________________________________ 1
Superintendent Message _________________________________________________________________________________ 2
Financial Report __________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
Elementary School _______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
Middle School _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
High School _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 8
Athletic and Activities Department ___________________________________________________________________ 10
Student Performance ___________________________________________________________________________________ 12
PAL: Parents At Lincoln ________________________________________________________________________________ 14
Looking Ahead __________________________________________________________________________________________ 15
Challenges Ahead _______________________________________________________________________________________ 16
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MESSAGE
Page 1
Board of Governors Message
MARCELO LANDA – BOARD OF GOVERNORS VICE PRESIDENT
On behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to thank everyone in our community who makes Lincoln
special: not only as a center for learning and growth, but also a school where kids feel included from Day One
and are happy to be with their friends. Many schools are known to be great learning centers; a few others are
known to be nurturing. Yet very few schools can claim to be both, and it is this rare combination of great
teaching and happy students that makes Lincoln a special school.
The school’s mission is to offer an education to the highest US accreditation standards, focused on academic
excellence and developing confident, ethical world citizens. This mission sounds simple, yet making it real
takes team effort from teachers, staff, parents, and of course, our sons and daughters.
As Board members, our responsibility is to ensure Asociacio n Escuelas Lincoln has the leadership, direction
and resources it needs to be one of the finest international schools in South America.
This has been a year of change in Argentina, with a long-overdue devaluation which directly impacted our
tuition fees, paid in Argentine pesos. We are aware this impacted members of our community. Our
responsibility is to ensure the school has the resources to remain true to its mission, and not compromise on
the quality of the education or experience offered to our children. At the same time, the improved investment
opportunities in Argentina are encouraging for future student enrollment.
We have begun a review of our facilities to identify improvements. You may have been involved in the
extensive opinion survey among our community, students, teachers and staff , to make sure any architectural
plan actually responds to Lincoln’s needs. We will receive the Master Plan in early 2017 and will dedicate
ourselves to make sure we launch a phased and sensible plan to improve Lincoln’s facilities, in line with 21st
century teaching and expectations.
Mike and his team worked hard to strengthen the school. I would like to congratulate everyone involved for
our overall results, individual accomplishments, sports activities, fabulous arts, and outstanding community
involvement. A particular thank you to our teachers, who encourage and challenge our students every day,
giving them a rich and varied school experience to help them grow into confident, ethical world citizens.
On behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to thank you for everything you do to support our school
community, and to make our school into a great school.
SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
Page 2
Superintendent Message
MICHAEL MARTELL - SUPERINTENDENT
Asociacio n Escuelas Lincoln Annual Report provides our school community with a wide range of information
regarding student and school performance this past year. Under the guidance of an exceptional teaching staff,
our students continue to demonstrate strong gains in academic achievement and social development.
We hope that while reviewing this document, you will learn about our school’s strengths, the dynamic nature
of our program, student performance outcomes, and our initiatives for the future. Our joint school
accomplishments would not be possible without the commitment of all stakeholders at Lincoln, a school that
strives for excellence in education for our most important partners -- our students.
We welcome your candid comments about our Annual Report and invite you to contact the Superintendent’s
Office if you have any suggestions or questions regarding the contents.
Where are we going and what would it look like if we ever got there? Our school mission is used to help guide
our community in making critical decisions the effect the direction of our school. As you peruse this document,
think of the mission and vision as a compass used to align the values and goals of our school community.
Lincoln Mission:
To provide an education based on a United States accredited curriculum in an environment of academic
excellence that develops ethical, responsible, and globally conscious world citizens.
Our Vision:
At Lincoln, we inspire the next generation of creative and critical thinkers, dedicated to a life of integrity,
nurtured in an environment where young people enter to learn and leave to serve.
One of the key elements of Lincoln’s improvement process is a periodic self-assessment of our program and
how well we are aligned with our mission and vision. This self-assessment is part of our re-accreditation
process. Throughout the past several months, teachers have been gathering evidence and debating the degree
to which we meet our New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation standards. Despite the
positive results and numerous success stories, our goal for continuous school improvement mandates that we
work to make our school even better in the future. We celebrate the achievements of this year, and realize that
we have more work ahead of us.
One of the overarching goals has been the development of a fully articulated K4 through grade 12 curriculum.
Great progress has been made this year as teachers have developed a scope and sequence for each course. An
analysis is under way to see how our international and national curricula can be fully integrated to form a
new, “1 school, 1 curriculum’ model. This work is on track to be completed by the end of the school year.
With a student population that is nearly 75% non-native English speakers we continue to look for ways to
meet the diverse needs of our learners. Across the elementary and middle schools, teachers are working to
SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE
Page 3
develop a coherent strategy that includes various teaching methodologies and student support networks.
This initiative has been supported by our on-campus Master’s program as well as through numerous
professional development activities. Mid-term assessments are showing a marked improvement in teacher
awareness as well as student’s literacy growth.
In the coming months, we will be laying the groundwork for continued progress towards completion of our
longer- term goals. A couple of critical questions we will consider with our community will revolve around
the needs of our families and which program best serves those needs. In what ways can we continue to
seamlessly incorporate the Argentine system? How do we develop and support a more diverse student
population as we look for ways to challenge the high flyers while simultaneously scaffolding for those needing
extra help? Just a few of the challenges we face on Lincoln’s exciting journey!
FINANCIAL REPORT
Page 4
Financial Report
KPMG – PATRICIA M. ZEISEL, PARTNER, PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (UBA) CPCECABA T°286 F°105
In our opinion, the financial statements present reasonable information, in all significant aspects, of
Asociacio n Escuelas Lincoln’s assets to July 31st, 2016, the resources and expenses, the net assets evolution
and cash flow of the annual fiscal year up to the given date were in accordance to the City of Buenos Aires,
Argentine Republic, accounting norms.
ANALYSIS OF ACTUAL RESULTS
JULY 2014 JULY 2015 JULY 2016
Avg. Enrollment 805 760 740
Avg. US$ @ 8.02 8.66 14.83
REVENUE
Tuition 17,009 16,918 18,878
Other revenues 1,943 1,893 1,978
Capital Assessment 2,069 2,099 2,244
TOTAL 21,021 20,910 23,100
KEY EXPENSES
Instructional Staff 10,617 12,723 12,672
Support Staff 2,862 2,980 3,470
School Materials 898 1,081 1,066
Gral. Admin 1,553 1,195 1,145
Facilities 1,746 2,015 2,048
TOTAL 17,676 19,994 23,397
Financial Results 316 276 (1,389)
Total Cash Reserve 14,306 16,305 15,744
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Page 5
Elementary School
JEREMY CRAMER – ES PRINCIPAL
Lincoln's Elementary School has continued to grow and improve since the start of the 2016-2017 school
year. Jeremy Cramer is the new Elementary Principal, having moved to Bs.As. from Colorado, USA and has
worked closely with the Leadership Team and the other division principals to oversee a smooth transition
and successful start to the year. In addition, other new staff at the ES level include Marta Rivera (Gr. 1), Yvonne
Ricketts (Gr. 2), Christine Hodges (Gr. 3), Michelle Cramer (Gr. 4), Laura Klecker (Art 1st-5th), Kelita Osca
(ELL), Maria MacArdle (library assistant), and Florencia Schiavello (ES Receptionist).
Our student population saw 83 new students enroll in August, 2016. The overall ES student enrollment
dropped from 320 students in June, 2016 and we started the school year with an enrollment of 291. Currently
the Elementary School includes one section of K4 (growing to two sections in February 2017), two sections
of K5, and 3 sections in each grade level 1st-5th. The elementary school at Lincoln continues to enjoy a large
diversity of national and cultural backgrounds within our walls and the two main native language groups
continue to be English and Spanish. There are ten Spanish teachers working with all students at all levels. A
change in structure has allowed for greater integration between the Spanish classrooms and the English
homerooms. There is one Spanish teacher per grade level who is able to work with all 3 classrooms and
collaborate with their grade level counterparts to plan teaching, discuss students, and integrate content
between their rooms. In addition, each grade level is supported by an SLL teacher, where targeted instruction
occurs for students who are newer to learning Spanish. The Elementary School also includes a Learning
Center team of three teachers, an English Language Learning team of three teachers, and specialist team (PE,
Art, Music) of six teachers, and a Literacy Specialist Assistant supporting each classroom in 1st and 2nd grade.
Lincoln, as a campus, continues to move forward in our accreditation self-study which will be completed this
school year. In addition, the school continues to invest in the professional growth and learning of its teaching
staff with ongoing PD provided by the three learning coaches, as well as self-directed Professional Learning
Community groups throughout and across all three divisions. This PD is centered on Inquiry-Based Learning,
Collaboration, and Language for Learning. The curricular work at the school involves working with the
adopted learning standards and creating over the course of the year a horizontally and vertically articulated
curriculum K4-12th grade. This is the foundational work which leads into creating integrated units of
inquiry. These units of inquiry are the vehicle by which we will have greater integration of our international
and Argentine national learning standards. This will also support our students in learning and embracing
both of our languages of instruction, English and Spanish.
All of this work is exciting, challenging, and is being accomplished by a very professional and dedicated
staff. Lincoln Elementary School is proud to be a school where we inspire the next generation of creative and
critical thinkers, dedicated to a life of integrity, nurtured in an environment where young people enter to learn
and leave to serve.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Page 6
Middle School
JEFF VORACEK – MS PRINCIPAL
Middle School Advisory & Assemblies
Middle School Advisory program was redesigned last year and implemented this year to align with our Lincoln
Core Values. Over the course of three years, all Middle School students will explore and reflect on our 10 core
values with each grade beginning the year engaged in activities and discussions related to caring for each
other and our environment. In addition, each grade every year designs and participates in a socially
responsible action (service learning project) meant to improve our school and local area community. This
year’s advisory program is being led by Mr. Dan Straffon (6th Grade), Mr. Jonah Rosenfield (7th Grade) and
Ms. Jen Heisler (8th Grade).
One change associated with the redesigning of the advisory program was the focus on Middle School
Assemblies. In place of the large, infrequent celebratory assemblies, we are holding smaller, more frequent
assemblies that are totally student-led through advisory groups. During assemblies, news and events are
shared by students and teachers, alike. Advisory Assemblies occur on the Wednesdays we do not have a “late
start” and take place in the theater from 8:05 to 8:25am.
Transition to Trimesters and Reporting via Plus Portals
The Middle School has moved to a Trimester Calendar and Reporting System for the 2016-17. The school year
under the Trimester System is divided into three twelve week periods or trimesters. I have listed the
Trimester ending dates below.
Trimester 1: August 1 - Nov. 4 - 63 days Trimester 2: Nov. 7 - March 17 - 57 days Trimester 3: March 20 - June 16 - 60 days
Student progress reports and trimester report cards will be made available to parents via Plus Portal. The
first Mid-Trimester Progress reports were made available on September 14. End of the trimester report cards
will be available to parents November 4. Both the Progress Reports and Reports Cards via Plus Portals have
gone smoothly.
Tech
MS teachers are using Google Classroom as their communication tool with students to post messages and
assignments. Not only can parents check their child’s progress / gradebook via Plus Portals, this year parents
will receive progress reports and report cards via Plus Portals.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Grade 7 and 8 students have the option this year to bring a chromebook, laptop or tablet as their school
device. Grade 6 students are assigned a school owned Ipad Mini for use during the school day.
Integrated Math
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Page 7
The middle school math teachers, Kirsten Baldwin and Dan Straffon have been leading meetings with high
school math teachers to establish a math pathway leading from middle school to high school IB Standard Level
Math. A new pathway was developed last year (20150-16) and has been implemented this year (2016-17)
allowing more students access to IB Standard Level Math.
MIddle School Counseling
Book Club: Semester one (2015-16) had the divisional counselors facilitating a K-12 Book Club. 18 parents
participated in a three week study of the book “Quiet”. Second semester (2015-16) has parents committed to
read “Building Resilience in Children and Teens”.
Active Parenting: First semester (2015-16) had 18 parents participating in a 6 week parenting
course. During second semester 10 parents participated in this course.
InfoTalk: Divisional counselors will be presented at a PAL sponsored event on Diversity / MAP / INternet
Safety.
TEDx
2015-16 was the first year that middle school students participated in Tedx. Congratulations to the the seven
middle school students that participated in 2015-16 TedEx Event:
Nicolas Lampietti Sophia Kwan Diego Meneses You Chin Oh Eleanor Ketterer-Sykes Felicitas Hadad Farouk Zaky (emcees)
This wonderful event was organized by Ms. Christine Calderon (MS Tedx) and Mr. Josefino Rivera (TedEx
Coordinator). Middle School Tedx is continuing this school year (2016-17) Ms. Calderon and Ms. Bruckbauer
are the middle school sponsors. Monday December 5, 2016 will be Middle School Tedx presentation.
HIGH SCHOOL
Page 8
High School
JOE HOLLENBECK – HS PRINCIPAL
Late in the 2nd semester of 2014-15, the HS Leadership Team identified a major goal for 2016-17,
accompanied by Milestones and related Action Plans. The goal, milestones and action plans were developed
over the course of the semester through task force meetings and various teacher and student surveys.
Progress is described below:
GOAL: To develop and implement support structures that will enhance the academic success of
students in grades 9-12.
Milestone 1: Develop and implement a HS Homework Policy: A committee of teachers and administration has
developed a HS Homework Policy to be shared with HS Faculty on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Final agreement will be
communicated to students and parents.
Milestone 2: Create an Academic Honesty Policy - The Leadership Team has prepared an Academic Honesty
Policy to be shared with HS Faculty on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Following feedback from faculty, a final version will
be shared with students and parents.
Milestone 3: Implementation of HS Math Lab (help sessions) - The HS Math Department, in collaboration with
the HS Principal, have implemented an after school Math Lab that is offered two days per week.
Milestone 4: Advisory Teacher Responsibilities Revisited - Completed in August with faculty meeting
dedication to the topic and inclusion of Advisory Teachers in planning of the Advisory curriculum for sem. 1.
Milestone 5: Implement Flex Block - To allow for increased individual and small group
instruction. Accomplished in August to favorable feedback from students and teachers.
Milestone 6: Early Identification of Struggling Students - Action plan to include establishment of Kid Talks,
monthly teacher grade level meetings to discuss struggling students and what is working positively in some
classrooms. Successfully implemented.
Milestone 7: Creating a Culture of Revision - Ongoing efforts underway. So far we have completed a HS
Integrated Assessment Calendar for HS students, parents and teachers.
Milestone 8: Revision of Student Parent Handbook - Ongoing.
Milestone 9: Communication of Report Cycle - Ongoing. Efforts to go paperless resulting in parents
encouraged to access grades online ongoing and at the end of reporting cycles.
Milestone 10: Reflect on Efforts to Improve Gr. 9/10 Writing Skills - Ongoing. Initial discussions underway.
Milestone 11: Encourage Student Voice in HS Life - Ongoing. Student Council participation in Advisory topic
planning and invited to coordinate 1 x Quarter HS Assemblies.
HIGH SCHOOL
Page 9
Milestone 12: Creation of HS Assessment Policy - Ongoing. Committee members identified and second weekly
meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Other successful efforts have resulted in the following items of importance to HS students and teachers:
1. Successful expansion of Service Learning Week 18-24 September to include all high school students. All
Gr. 9 students participated in local Service Learning day trips, while Gr. 10-12 students chose local trips
or from a menu of out of town destinations. Families paid 70% of costs associated with out of town
destinations.
2. Successful establishment and continued expansion of a positive Service Learning relationship between
Lincoln students and the El Ceibo housing area, located on the river slightly south of Lincoln on the
other side of the railroad tracks.
3. Successful administration of PSAT tests to all students Gr. 10-11. Results not yet received.
4. Successful participation in SAAC Volleyball (Uruguay) and hosting of SAAC Soccer (at Lincoln Nov. 17-
19).
5. Successful hosting of HS Band Festival (May 14) and HS Choir Festival (October 21) that includes
numerous local schools.
6. University Application Information for Class of 2017 as of November 9:
a. 60% of the Senior Class (total 48 students in Gr. 12) have already submitted at least one
application.
b. Over 140 applications have been processed for the Senior Class
c. 33% of the Senior Class have applied Early Action or Early Decision.
d. One admission (UK) has been received.
e. 16% of the applications have been made to universities outside of the U.S.A.
f. 10% to U.S.A.
g. 4% to Canada
h. 2% to Europe
ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
Page 10
Athletic and Activities Department
ROSEMARY FATTA MARI – ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
The primary goal of the athletics and activities program at Lincoln is to ensure that coordinators, coaches, and
club sponsors are implementing the program in a manner that is consistent with the philosophical
underpinnings of our school mission.
Lincoln’s athletic program emphasizes participation and sportsmanship. Lincoln holds the belief that
students should have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and that these activities are a vital
part of the educational experience. All students that go out for a sport have the opportunity to participate and
compete. I am very pleased at the level of student participation and competitive spirit, our program has
achieved. During this first semester, our high school volleyball teams competed at the SAAC Volleyball
tournament hosted by Uruguayan American School. The boys’ team earned fourth, while the girls placed sixth
overall. In the SAAC Soccer tournament, recently hosted by Lincoln, our boys earned the bronze while our
girls placed 4th overall.
In the elementary school, after school activities continue to flourish. Over 80% of elementary school students
participate in activities such as: Taekwondo, tennis, jazz dance, cooking, stings, swimming, track and field,
volleyball and soccer league which is offered first semester. Our elementary school basketball players have
had the opportunity to play in two mini-tournaments during this first semester. The focus at this level of
course is to have fun and learn the basics of the game.
As the graphs show, students enrolled in at least one extracurricular activity per semester is increasing.
Currently there are about 150 high school, 140 middle school and 240 elementary students participating in
the after school activities program. Along with participation and sportsmanship, the middle school sports
department also focuses on skill development. In just two short weeks, 80 of our middle school athletes will
compete in friendly volleyball and soccer matches against students from Uruguayan American School. The
middle school has two Friendship Meets a year with Uruguayan American School (UAS), one each semester. In
May of 2017 we will be hosting students from ISC, Brazil and UAS in friendly basketball and soccer matches.
ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
Page 11
In the last calendar year, selected students from the Lincoln Arts department had the opportunity to
participate in the SAAC Fine Arts Festival that was held in Lima, Peru. April of 2016 Lincoln hosted the SAAC
Basketball Tournament and this year our selected basketball players will travel to Curitiba, Brazil to compete
in SAAC. This was the second year for Lincoln to participate in the SAAC Swim Meet held in Santiago, Chile.
Last year we sent 9 swimmers to Lima, while this year, 22 students made the selection team. We are so proud
of our swim team for earning 3rd place overall. Each of our swimmers earned medals and improved personal
bests, while two of our swimmers broke meet records. We are excited at the thought of hosting this event
next year.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Page 12
Student Performance
ES/MS NWEA/MAP TESTING INFORMATION
RIT Stands For = Rausch Interval Unit / Overall Score on Test
Annual Growth is the difference between the Beginning of the Year Test (August) and the End of the
Year of the Test (May).
Demonstrated Annual Growth in each grade level and in all three testing areas (Math, Reading,
Language Usage)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MAP Annual Growth: Lincoln: 9.20 RIT, NWEA: 9.20 RIT, INTL: 5.50 RIT
ANALYSIS:
Our typical Lincoln ES student started above their grade level and grew further above their grade
level.
Our typical Lincoln ES student equaled the growth of their tested peers across North America and
almost doubled the growth of their peers across the spectrum of international schools.
NEXT STEPS:
Set learning and growth goals based on our beginning of year scores.
Utilize a collaborative planning process so that the use of this data can inform our instruction.
Professional Development (Guided Inquiry, Language for Learning, Collaboration, PLCs)
MIDDLE SCHOOL ANALYSIS
MAP Annual Growth: Lincoln: 5.9 RIT, NWEA: 4.5 RIT, INTL: 1.6 RIT
ANALYSIS:
In 2015-16 MS students scored as well, or better, than 93% of all students taking the test in their
grade level in all three testing areas (Math, Reading, and Language).
NEXT STEPS:
Special Programs: ELL Science Pilot Program and Learning Center
Special Classes: Gr.6, 7 and 8 Math Support, Gr.7/8 Creative Writing
Common Core Standards (English & Math), Integrated Math, Spanish Proficiency Test, Scholastic
Reading, DEAR.
Professional Development (Guided Inquiry, Language for Learning, Collaboration, PLCs)
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Page 13
HIGH SCHOOL ANAL
IB DIPLOMA RESULTS
2016: 94.4% pass rate, 2015: 82% pass rate, World Average: 80.8%
MAJOR SUCCESSES
Our average diploma score of 33 is the highest average in the last five years at Lincoln.
Two Lincoln graduates earned a score of 40 or above, earned by only the top 5% candidates across
the world.
The vast majority of subject scores were over the worldwide averages. Scores in HL Biology, SL
Chemistry, HL/SL History and HL/SL Spanish B over 1 point above the world average.
Clear increases in OTK and Extended Essay (EE) scores from recent years, resulting in 50% of
diploma students received 2 or more “bonus points” towards their diploma. 6 students received an
A or B score on their Extended Essay.
AREAS OF FOCUS FOR 2017
HL Math
The Arts
Theory of Knowledge
Program growth and accessibility
PSAT, SAT and ACT:
Historic results indicate stronger performances in Math and slightly less so in Reading/Writing.
PAL: PARENTS AT LINCOLN
Page 14
PAL: Parents At Lincoln
PAL
GRANTS PROGRAM
The highlight of the Parents at Lincoln is the PAL Grants Program, which established in the 2015/2016 school
year, has been well received and is thriving. The PAL Grants Program allows three times a year for student
groups, teachers and administration to apply for grants to enrich the learning environment of the students or
enrich the Lincoln Community. One of our top grant highlights for the 2015/2016 school year was an all
school performance given by the musical group "Musicos Clasicos de Buenos Aires".
Parents at Lincoln will continue to support our PAL Grants Program through our two fundraising events,
International Day and Dinner Dance.
In the 2016/2017 school year the PAL is focusing on the following
Continued monthly “InfoTalks” to focus on topic most interesting to parents.
Welcoming new parents and helping them adjust quickly and comfortably to Lincoln.
Finalizing the Elementary School “Room Parent” role.
Celebrating International Day as a day of diversity and a day to celebrate the similarities and differences of
our heritage.
Continuing the support of ‘fun events’ for students such as Ice Cream Social, Middle School Movie Night,
Elementary School Arts Day
Continued support for our Athletic Department by hosting the PAL Hospitality for the SAAC Tournament
Celebrating our teachers and staff on Teachers’ Day on September 11th and Teacher's’ Appreciation Week
held in May.
Continued support for the Babies & Toddlers group
Bi-Weekly off campus book club
Providing spirit wear in the PAL Spirit Wear Store
LOOKING AHEAD
Page 15
Looking Ahead
Goals 2017-18
One of the key elements of continuous improvement is the collection and analysis of data to support decisions
about curricular programs and initiatives. This process is far reaching across the curriculum and involves
students, teachers, and parents. In the coming semester, our School Improvement Team will be finalizing the
self-study and making recommendations for next year’s all-school goals. Based first impressions and
feedback from staff and stakeholders, the overall goals our SIT will most likely focus on lie in 3 main areas:
Curriculum: As stated above, our far-reaching goal will be to clearly articulate a standards based curriculum
for grades K4through 12 to guide program and instruction. The outcome of this goal will be the development
of unit plans that are being used for daily lesson planning, web access to our curriculum, and the inclusion of
ELL, and 21st century strategies in all instruction. Not only will this better communicate our courses, but it
will also ensure a smooth transition between teachers and courses within our transient teacher population.
English Language Learner (ELL) Instruction will remain a focus in developing teacher’s instructional
methodology toolkits. Whether they speak Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin,
Lebanese, or one of the other languages native to our 50 different student nationalities, for the vast majority
of our students, English is not their first language. A major challenge for teachers remains the development
of academic English as a subset of every lesson. For the up and coming school year, Lincoln teachers will
implement our newly developed language philosophy designed to ensure a coherent approach to ELL
instruction. The outcome of this goal will be the inclusion of ELL teaching strategies in all unit plans,
continued individualized instruction for ELL students, and continued, ELL specific, in-service training for all
faculty.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Page 16
Challenges Ahead
As we look to the 2017-18 school year and beyond, there appear to be numerous challenges and opportunities
on the horizon. We continue to explore ways to improve our craft and push our students to higher levels of
success while trying to grow our school in the current, politically and economically uncertain, region.
A major challenge will involve the finalization of our master facilities plan and the implementation of the first
phases of renovation and construction. We have assembled a strong team consisting of an international
design firm coupled with local construction management and architectural firms. We hope to begin the initial
renovations in June 2018 with the scope of the project lasting over the next several years.
We will be setting ambitious goals for the up and coming year. With a strong core of returning faculty, an
extremely talented group of new teachers, and our Mighty Condor student body, I’m confident these new
hurdles can be overcome. If we treat each challenge as an opportunity, and stand firmly behind our mission
and vision, together we will see Lincoln continue to grow into a world class school.